The flu season is back again this year, and you or your children might be affected by cold and flu symptoms. If you suffer from symptoms like sneezing, coughing, headaches, or fever, you might have been attacked by a flu virus. There are thousands of different cold viruses and bacteria that cause these symptoms that make us suffer. You will be able to tell by the intensity and duration of the sickness, whether you have a common cold or if you are suffering from influenza. Although there are no cures for the common flu or cold, you might be able to ease the symptoms by taking some homemade remedies.
The first and most important step you can take to fight the flu virus, is to take 
the flu vaccine. To fight flu viruses naturally, it is best to strengthen your immune system through some healthy food. Also, get plenty of rest, and drink plenty of liquids. Liquids soothe your throat and your respiratory tract, to reduce irritation and nasal congestion. Liquid will also prevent dehydration and break up the mucus congestion in your throat, and help you breathe easier.
Over-the-counter medications can also help you to relax and fight flu symptoms better, but some of these medications may have side effects like affecting your digestive system, making you drowsy, or interfering with your other medications and physical conditions. Therefore, it is best to try some of the homemade remedies mentioned below, and if the symptoms persist, or if you have a serious health condition, consult your doctor.
Here are 10 ways to fight cold and flu symptoms naturally
Although there is no cure for the common cold or flu, eating healthy and following a healthy lifestyle will definitely help you to fight viruses. These homemade remedies will help you stay comfortable and fight cold symptoms better.
1. Consume a balanced diet
There is a profound correlation between eating healthy and fighting diseases. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, along with proper rest, keeping healthy habits, and exercise, can help you stay healthy and fight flu during the flu seasons. For the cold and flu, prevention is always better than cure, so make sure you consume a healthy balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. A vegetable and fruit-based diet could be your best option if you get sick, because it contains plenty of vitamin C and antioxidants, which are easily absorbed by your body, and give your immune system a boost.
“When you eat right — you feel right!” –WebMD
2. Chicken soup— the old cold fighter
Chicken soup is an excellent cold fighter. It’s high in nutritional value, gives your immune system a boost and also has ingredients to loosen up your stubborn chest and nasal congestion, to help you rest easy and recover from cold symptoms. Even if you buy some commercial soup stock from the market, or instant soups, they still work. Or you may want to make your own chicken soup from scratch. Add some vegetables with your soup to give it added nutritional value.
3. Spicy green tea for your chest and throat
A spicy green tea made with lemon, ginger and honey can be an excellent cold fighter. Get freshly squeezed lemon juice, a tablespoon of honey, fresh ginger (cut or grated), and a hot cup of green tea. Mix them all together and you should have a cup of strong cold fighter. Add cinnamon and cloves to make it even spicier. Honey is a natural immune booster. Ginger, hot green tea and other spices help you get rid of your chest congestion. Lemon and green tea are also full of vitamin C and antioxidants.
4. Salmon for omega 3
Salmon and cod liver oil are healthy foods to get your daily dose of Omega 3 fatty acids that boost your immune system naturally. They also reduce the risk of heart diseases, and give you healthy skin, as an added bonus (WebMD).
5. Consume plenty of liquids
Drinking plenty of liquids will help prevent dehydration, and break up the mucus congestion from your chest and nose. Keeping your throat and chest tracts moist will allow you to breathe easy, and loosen up your cough. Drink at least 8 cups of fluids daily, including water, sports drinks, herbal tea, and chicken soup. Avoid carbonated drinks and coffee.
6. Chinese hot ‘n’ sour soup
Chinese hot ‘n’ sour soup or vegetable soups will take care of your cold symptoms fast. They are high in nutritional value, and have ingredients to boost your immune system, fight diseases, and keep you stronger and healthier. You can buy a cup of instant noodle soup from your local oriental market and just add water, or make your own soup with easy-to-follow popular Chinese recipes.
7. Ginger and turmeric milk
Turmeric and ginger milk has been an old traditional Ayurvedic medicine of the Indian subcontinent. This simple turmeric milk is a powerful cold and flu fighter. Just add 2 cups of fresh whole milk, 1/2 – 1 tsp turmeric powder, 2-3 whole black peppercorns, 2-3 whole cardamom pods (cracked) and 1/2 inch ginger(roughly chopped).
It is important that you stay safe and follow rules of personal hygiene. Carry a napkin or use soft tissues every time you sneeze. Wash your face with clean, filtered, sterile, previously boiled or distilled water if possible. Stay warm, rested, and indoors as much as possible. If children or elderly are involved, you should not neglect these symptoms. If cold symptoms persist for over a week, or if your children have severe symptoms, such as high fever, rashes, trouble breathing or asthma, consult your doctor immediately.
P.S: – Did you find these tips useful? Please add your comments in the comment box below, and let us know your thoughts on this article.
Source: Nourish the Planet
